All posts by z3u9t.icu

Many Wolves fans have been left slamming the display of Francisco Trincao in their game at home to Newcastle United in the Premier League.

The Portugal international missed a big chance to score in the first half that would have put the Midlands club 2-0 up after Hwang Hee-chan had given them the lead, but they ended up conceding an equaliser to Jeff Hendrick moments later to make the score 1-1 at half-time.

Other than that opportunity, he struggled to really get into the game, and seemed to be bullied off of the ball a little bit too easily at times, with some members of the Molineux faithful noting his physicality.

Before the match this afternoon, Trincao had only managed one goal and no assists all season (Transfermarkt), and it seems as if he is struggling to adapt to English football.

Wolves fans on Trincao display

These WWFC supporters slammed his performance on Twitter, with one even going as far as to claim that he is ‘awful’:

“Trincao way off the pace Adama on at half-time surely”

Credit: @CaritaMejor

“Trincao horror show”

Credit: @lewis_sharp17

“Trincao is awful.”

Credit: @JBabbacombe

“Trincao just isn’t very good”

Credit: @FourFourTwoPls

“Trincao might not be tough enough for the Premier League.”

Credit: @Ashley19345299

“Get Trincao off the pitch”

Credit: @MichaelKlump44

In other news, find out what Pedro Neto footage has Wanderers buzzing here!

With four Premier League games played and three won under Antonio Conte, Tottenham Hotspur have had a fairly successful run of results under the Italian.

In addition to this, Spurs have only conceded one goal in those four league games since Conte came in after conceding 16 in their opening 10 league games of the season under Nuno Espirito Santo’s short-lived guidance.

Even though they’ve not been leaking many goals under Conte, it seems as though the 52-year-old and Tottenham’s current sporting director Fabio Paratici have their eyes on signing a player in the upcoming January transfer window who could strengthen the Lilywhites’ defence even further.

According to Corriere di Puglia e Lucania (via Sport Witness) Spurs are eyeing up a move to sign Fiorentina defender Nikola Milenkovic next month and are apparently “ready to enter in negotiations” for the player.

With current Spurs defender Cristian Romero sustaining a serious hamstring injury playing for Argentina in last month’s World Cup qualifier against Brazil and not expected to be available again until some point in the new year, the signing of Milenkovic could be a masterstroke from Paratici, adding real quality depth and ensuring they are well-stocked upon Romero’s return.

Since joining Fiorentina back in the 2017 summer transfer window from FK Partizan Belgrade, the 24-year-old, who is currently valued at £22.5m according to Transfermarkt, has made a total of 149 appearances for the Serie A side across all competitions, chipping in with 13 goals and one assist along the way.

Having drawn comparisons in the past to former Manchester United centre-back Nemanja Vidic by former Serbia coach Mladen Krstajic, Milenkovic has shown this season how much of a defensive unit he is.

In the 14 Serie A games he’s appeared in for Fiorentina so far this season, Milenkovic has managed to rack up an average of 2.9 clearances per game, 1.9 tackles per game and 1.3 interceptions as well as winning 66% of the duels he’s been involved in.

To put those numbers into perspective, Romero boasts 2.4 clearances, 2.3 tackles and 1.7 interceptions per Premier League outing, suggesting the Serbia star is right up there alongside Spurs’ summer signing.

With all of this in mind, it could be a great move for Spurs to add Milenkovic to their squad in January to add a bit more strength and depth to Conte’s squad at the back, which would be useful considering Spurs have played with three at the back with two wing-backs in the games that Conte has been in charge.

In other news: Harry Kane linked with another move away

Everton are in interested in signing versatile Hoffenheim ace Florian Grillitsch according to The Daily Mail’s Simon Jones.

The lowdown: Plenty of suitors

The 26-year-old is set to become a free agent at the end of the season when a contract in Germany expires and there would appear to be a host of clubs keen on acquiring the Austrian’s services.

Formerly of Werder Bremen, Grillitsch has plied his trade in the Bundesliga since 2015, racking up 178 German top-flight appearances to date.

Following an initial report from The Telegraph citing major interest from Leeds United and Arsenal, it would now appear that the Toffees are also in the mix…

The latest: Everton interest emerges

As per the report, Jones writes that there is interest from Everton in signing the 33-cap Austria international.

It’s claimed that there is also admiration from West Ham United and Newcastle United, whilst both Leeds are Arsenal are once again mentioned.

The report states that the man once dubbed as ‘extraordinary’ by Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann, ‘appeals’ to Everton as Frank Lampard prepares to oversee a squad overhaul at Goodison Park.

The verdict: No-brainer

As a potential free agent capture, this truly is a no-brainer for the Merseyside club, particularly with the future of Allan uncertain beyond the upcoming summer window.

Still holding a market value of £14.4m despite the dwindling contract (Transfermarkt), adding Grillitsch – who can play as a central defender or in a variety of midfield positions – to the Blues’ ranks would be a shrewd move.

As a defensive midfielder, the Austrian’s numbers suggest that he is in the same mould as Liverpool star Fabinho and Barcelona’s Sergio Busquets, according to FBRef, making the potential capture ahead of other Premier League suitors all the more impressive.

In other news, financial expert makes exciting Bramley Moore claim!

Leeds United could eye a late midfield alternative before Monday’s transfer deadline…

What’s the word?

The Yorkshire giants have been left frustrated in their pursuit of RB Salzburg midfielder Brenden Aaronson so far, having seen a £15m bid for him rejected recently.

And they may well struggle to seal his signature as the Austrian title holders remain in the Champions League, with the 21-year-old a key player for the club.

However, according to the Daily Mail this week, the Whites have held talks with the agent of Marseille midfielder Boubacar Kamara, who could emerge as the ideal alternative to Aaronson.

The Ligue 1 outfit are reportedly prepared to sell him for just £10m, around half of Leeds’ second bid for the Salzburg star.

Forget Aaronson?

Perhaps United chief Victor Orta and his recruitment team should quickly forget about the American international, at least until the summer when he may well be more attainable at their own valuation.

Instead, a move for Kamara could seriously pay off, especially at an absolute bargain price.

The need for a new midfielder has been lingering for quite some time at Elland Road. It’s been four years since they signed someone in the role – that being Adam Forshaw in 2018 – and they have come close, missing out on Conor Gallagher in the summer and seeing a deal for Michael Cuisance fall through a year earlier.

[snack-amp-story url = “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-lufc-transfer-rumours-gossip-bielsa-orta-radrizzani-elland-road-updates” title=”Read the latest Leeds news, transfer updates and much, much more!”]

Valued at £22.5m by Transfermarkt, the France U21 international has already amassed plenty of experience at an elite level, featuring 135 times across Ligue 1 and UEFA’s top two European competitions.

At just 22, that is certainly impressive.

Since making his debut for Les Olympiens, the young midfield beast has put up some remarkable numbers – as per WhoScored, Kamara has averaged 2.8 long balls, 2.3 tackles and 1.3 interceptions per game across his career thus far.

With Kalvin Phillips on the treatment table at Thorp Arch for the next month or two, it would make sense to target a player in this style, so that should make him an intriguing alternative to Aaronson, who appears to be so out of reach by next Monday’s transfer deadline.

“This kid is a phenomenon,” once claimed former teammate Rolando. “When he started training with us, he was 15 years old. And from day one, I said, no, but this little one is going to be a great player.”

Kamara would be a fantastic addition to Bielsa’s squad and for just £10m, it is surely a no brainer, on the evidence above.

Orta and co must now turn their attention to the 5 foot 10 Marseille powerhouse in the coming days.

AND in other news, Leeds dealt late January blow to midfield “machine” perfect for Bielsa, he’ll be livid…

Merry Christmas, Newcastle fans!

It has been another tough year for most of us, so The Transfer Tavern have decided to spread some festive cheer.

To thank you for reading our content over the past year, or simply as a little pointless reward for finding the energy to watch Bruce-ball for months on end, we have made a quiz on the Magpies’ 2021/22 season so far, and we think only the biggest Toon supporters will get 100 per cent on it.

Think you are up to the challenge? There are ten questions in total for you to answer below, with four options for each, whether you want to test your family’s knowledge around the dinner table, or have a go yourself while you are munching on all of that Christmas chocolate!

Of course, do not forget to share your scores once you have finished, and here’s to a better 2022 for the Toon Army!

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According to The Birmingham Mail, Aston Villa could be very busy on deadline day as they look to tie up moves for three players in a bid to push for promotion, one of which is Newcastle’s Isaac Hayden – if the midfielder’s performance against Manchester City on Tuesday is anything to go by, he would be some signing and perhaps the Championship’s best this month.

On the chalkboard

The Magpies needed to bounce back after succumbing to a 2-0 defeat at home to Watford in the FA Cup the week before but, given City’s outrageous scoring record this month, it looked unlikely they would get anything out of it.

However, a resolute performance from back to front saw Rafa Benitez’s men emerge the shock 2-1 victors and thus climb to 14th in the standings – with new arrivals potentially imminent, the St James’ Park outfit look in good shape for the rest of the season, despite a tetchy couple of months.

Villa, meanwhile, are four points away from a top-six spot and need reinforcements in both midfield and defence if they are to give themselves their best chance of reaching a second consecutive play-off final – if they can get Hayden on the books before the window slams shut, their hopes will be massively boosted.

Dominant Hayden

Giving freedom to the likes of Jack Grealish, John McGinn and Conor Hourihane to cause havoc must be a priority for Dean Smith at Villa Park and Hayden would offer ample cover for a defence that has struggled to keep the ball out of the net.

Few can attest to shutting down a midfield containing Kevin de Bruyne and David Silva but 23-year-old Hayden can – Cityzens boss Pep Guardiola paid the former Arsenal man and his partner in crime, Sean Longstaff, a huge compliment post-match, saying his title-winning side could not deal with Newcastle’s holding midfielders.

Smith could do with a player of that calibre in his Villa side – Glenn Whelan and Mile Jedinak are the former Brentford boss’ two best options at the base of midfield and both are well into their twilight years – and, if they can get him, the deal would surely be the best from the Championship this January.

Thogden has ranked his top 5 sets of Championship away fans for Pl>ymaker FC. Did your club make the list? Find out in the video above…

Southampton fans were far from happy with Ralph Hasenhuttl’s quotes following the Saints’ exit at the hands of Chelsea in the League Cup.

The Saints travelled to Stamford Bridge on Tuesday to face the Blues in the fourth round of the League Cup. The hosts went ahead when Kai Havertz headed in, but Che Adams was able to take the game to penalties. In the end, the European champions progressed, but it was a display full of positives from the St. Mary’s Stadium outfit.

Hasenhuttl spoke to the media after the match, and was clearly happy with what his side produced against the current Premier League leaders. He claimed that his side were the “Pride of London” because of their showing – even though they were unable to progress to the next round.

The comments were shared on Twitter by @SaintsExtra, and it attracted plenty of attention from the supporters. They took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the Hasenhuttl comments below

“Play the same team against Watford. I dare you”

Credit: @TheBig_Borowski

“We lost Ralph”

Credit: @Eliassfc2

“Class! We didn’t win… again.”

Credit: @OllieSoton

“Going out of the cup is amazing. Sack him immediately”

Credit: @cleetus_van

“Yeh, I’d still rather we had played crap and scabbed a 1-0 win. Really had enough of heroic failure”

Credit: @rmbyres

“Still lost though.”

Credit: @SouthernMan7

In other news, Southampton fans were far from happy with this man against Chelsea.

With just three wins under their belt from 15 Premier League games so far this season, Leeds United have only scored 15 goals in that time.

Taking this into account, it seems as though the club are keen on bringing a new attacking talent to Elland Road in an effort to bring an extra spark to their forward line.

According to a recent report from Spanish media outlet El Nacional (via MOT Leeds News), Leeds are apparently preparing a firm offer to sign Real Madrid attacker Mariano Diaz.

Since making his senior debut for the Spanish giants back in August 2016, the 28-year-old – who is currently valued at £9m by Transfermarkt – has made just 63 senior appearances for the club across all competitions, scoring 11 goals and providing three assists in the process.

With fellow Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema scoring 17 goals in 20 appearances so far this season, it’s easy to see why Diaz, who has been described as a “real goalscorer” in the past by former Lyon assistant coach Gerald Baticle, has found regular game-time hard to come by this season, making just one appearance in La Liga.

Taking all of this into account, and with Victor Orta apparently clashing with a Leeds supporter in the stands at Elland Road during their 2-2 draw against Brentford, he would surely get this disgruntled fan and any other unhappy Leeds supporter back onside if he manages to secure a deal for Diaz in January.

If this were to happen and Diaz was then able to score a decent number of goals for Bielsa’s side, he could completely turn around Leeds’ underwhelming first half of the season and finish it on a strong note away from any danger of being in a potential relegation battle.

Also, with Patrick Bamford having returned from injury and back amongst the goals with his late equaliser against Brentford, his presence alongside Diaz’s potential arrival in January could be just the tonic for Leeds going forward.

Looking ahead to January, if the Whites are indeed preparing a bid to sign Diaz, this could be a great piece of business from the Yorkshire club and give Bielsa an extra attacking option who has the pedigree of scoring goals in a top team alongside world class players at Real Madrid.

In other news – Time to shine: Bielsa must now unleash “superb” £17k-p/w prodigy after big Leeds blow

Crystal Palace have been enjoying a promising season so far, and Patrick Vieira is now in a position to lead his side to a top-half finish if they can find a good run of form in the last few months of the season.

The club enjoyed a busy transfer window in the summer and have been linked with a few players this month, but emulating the previous transfer window could be off the cards.

What’s the word?

Sky Sports journalist Michael Bridge has made a fresh claim on the likely scenario for the rest of the winter transfer window in terms of the Eagles adding players to their squad during January.

He told GiveMeSport: “Things are going pretty well under Patrick Vieira at the moment. He would like to add maybe one or two, but from what I’m told, they’re happy. And it would have to take a bit of a crisis injury wise to change that at the moment.”

Palace have been strongly linked with two players over the last few weeks, with both Eddie Nketiah and Bamba Dieng having their names put forward as potential targets for the south London club. However, nothing has materialised as of yet, and no bids have been made for either player.

Fans will be fuming

With nine draws in the Premier League this season, there have been plenty of missed opportunities to rack up a few more wins and push even higher up the table. The loss of two points late on against Brighton on Friday night, and the concession of a last-gasp equaliser in the reverse fixture in September, illustrates as such.

Being linked with attacking players such as Nketiah and Dieng could well have strengthened Vieira’s options when it comes to maximising output in the final third of the pitch.

Some Palace fans have been outlining the positions where they feel the squad need strengthening this month, but Bridge’s update suggests that supporters waiting on new arrivals in January will be left fuming.

Although the Eagles are lodged in a comfortable mid-table position, all it takes is a handful of injuries to key players for their squad to suddenly appear threadbare. Therefore, it could be a source of frustration that the club seem content not to bolster their playing ranks this month while they are getting the opportunity to do so.

In other news: Journalist drops huge update on Eagles target Eddie Nketiah

Celtic currently sit at the top of the SPFL table with 76 points on the board having won 24 of their 31 league games.

Another impressive feature of the Parkhead club’s latest campaign is their defensive record, having conceded just 18 goals, fewer than any other side in the top flight.

One figure that has contributed a lot to Celtic’s strength at the back is Cameron Carter-Vickers, who joined the Hoops on loan from Tottenham Hotspur in the previous summer transfer window.

Having racked up a higher average of clearances per game (4.2) than any other Celtic player in the SPFL this season, as well as 1.2 interceptions, 0.9 tackles and 0.4 blocks as well as winning 68% of all the duels he’s been involved in, this highlights how much of a defensive unit he’s been for Ange Postecoglou and his side.

Despite how good he’s been for the team, the American international is only there on loan and therefore may not be there next season, especially if Spurs think he’s done enough at Celtic to then become a regular squad figure for them under Antonio Conte.

With that in mind, the Hoops may have a problem finding a suitable replacement for the 24-year-old if that were to happen.

However, the Bhoys may already have a solution to that issue and an ideal replacement in their ranks that Postecoglou could turn to if needed.

As a product of Celtic’s youth academy, 18-year-old Dane Murray has made two senior appearances for the Hoops which came during their two second-round Champions League qualifying matches against FC Midtjylland.

His performance then was described as “remarkable” by his coach at U10s level, Martin Miller.

This shows that Postecoglou has shown his faith in the young defender by playing him in those matches although he hasn’t featured in the SPFL for them or even been involved in a matchday squad on one occasion.

Labelled as a “complete leader” by Miller, as well as being “a tough character,” he certainly sounds like Carter-Vickers. Indeed, next season could be the teenager’s breakout campaign at Celtic Park if his elder teammate exits, thus paving the way for the teenager to work his way into the squad if he’s given the chance by Postecoglou to do so.

Depending on the likelihood that their loanee won’t be there beyond his temporary deal, it could be worth the 56-year-old allowing Murray to get some minutes under his belt every now and again to get him close to being ready for action on a more consistent basis next year.

In other news: Huge “blow” inbound as Celtic may lose “generational” talent, supporters surely gutted